Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
